Foundations: Background to American History – Flashcards

Unlock all answers in this set

Unlock answers
question
Declaration of Independence
answer
the public act by which the Second Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776, declared the Colonies to be free and independent of England; mostly written by Thomas Jefferson.
question
United States Constitution
answer
written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and subsequently ratified by the original thirteen states; replaced the Articles of Confederation; established a new national government.
question
Bill of Rights
answer
first ten amendments to the Constitution; individual rights.
question
John Hancock
answer
prosperous merchant from Boston and President of the Continental congress. Most recognizable signature of the Declaration of Independence.
question
Benjamin Rush
answer
Physician, educator, and humanitarian. Father of American medicine.
question
John Jay
answer
Appointed by President Washington as the first Supreme Court justice of the U.S.; helped write the Federalist Papers.
question
eminent domain
answer
power of the government over property.
question
Alexis de Tocqueville
answer
sent to U.S. by the French government to study its prisons in order to help the French government reform theirs
question
liberty
answer
protection against tyrannical governments; freedom
question
egalitarianism
answer
society of equals
question
individualism
answer
free to flourish without hereditary distinctions.
question
populism
answer
participation of the common people in political life.
question
E Pluribus Unum
answer
meaning;out of many (comes) one. Meant to show that several states had joined to create one nation.
question
In God We Trust
answer
U.S. national motto. Used on coins since 1864; now printed on all American money.
question
unalienable rights
answer
rights that cannot be taken away; such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
question
federalism
answer
powers that are divided between the federal government and the state governments
question
separation of powers
answer
division of the federal government into three separate branches; executive, legislative, and judicial.
question
checks and balances
answer
to prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful by placing checks; on each branch by the other two branches
question
first amendment
answer
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
question
2nd amendment
answer
Right to bear arms
question
3rd amendment
answer
No quartering of Soldiers
question
4th amendment
answer
protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures
question
5th amendment
answer
Criminal Proceedings; Due Process; Eminent Domain; Double Jeopardy; Protection from Self incrimination
question
6th amendment
answer
Criminal Proceedings; Must inform defendant of charge/s; Right to Attorney; Right to fair impartial jury
question
7th amendment
answer
Right to jury in civil trials.
question
8th amendment
answer
no cruel and unusual punishment
question
9th amendment
answer
Citizens entitled to rights not listed in the Constitution
question
10th amendment
answer
Asserts that powers not delegated to the national government or denied to the states are reserved to the states.
question
Articles of Confederation
answer
original federal constitution drafted by the Continental Congress in 1777
Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New